Running Chatter

I’ve gotten into the habit of blogging on Friday’s.  I’m not sure when or how it happened, but throughout the insanity that is often life and the ebbs and flows of the blog, Friday has become “The Day”– not necessarily the only day, but at least the day.

Gone are the days when I kiss foreheads good-night and run toward the sanctuary of the blank blogger screen.  In all reality, by the time the golden glow of the evening sun rests below the horizon and the house becomes quiet, streaming words together into anything coherent is, well, pretty close to impossible.  Just yesterday I read an article about parents who “ditch bedtime” in order to let their kids make decisions for themselves regarding when and how much they sleep.  I laughed and sent an email to my sister noting that I’ll never be a part of that club since I often do a happy dance which includes the Macarena, the Ickey Shuffle, and a Moonwalk finale when all the kids are resting and quiet in their beds.

Ah well, you can’t win ’em all.

I’ve traded quiet evenings of writing for quiet Friday mornings.  While it’s still dark outside and the house is still, I pour myself a cup (or six) of coffee and turn on whichever Pandora station strikes my fancy.  Today, it’s Priscilla Ahn. Taza is laying beside me and I can hear her soft breathing and every so often she moves her feet as if she’s chasing a ball or, more likely, Charlie.

I don’t write in this space like I used to, but still it’s important to me.  It’s a discipline and coming here always reminds me of the importance of putting first things first.  Sometimes I come here to spill things that are burning in my heart or ideas that I long to express.  Sometimes, I come here to work out my own thoughts and to slow down enough to feel.  Other times, I come here simply to say we were here and I want to remember.

Today, it’s just some chatter. . .

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Wilds

This week we met one of my dearest and oldest friends for an afternoon tour of animals living in the most open, beautiful, natural spots in Ohio. . .

Meadow rode a school bus for the very first time and let me tell you, she was excited about it. . .

I’ve known Katy since we were in 1st grade and here we are, all these years later, still doing those things we did throughout our childhood with our own children.

It’s hard to describe how incredible it feels to see my kids and Katy’s kids develop friendships and bonds with each other and I can’t help but wonder if one day, years from now, their own children will develop friendships with each other.

We had a lovely day and once again, the beauty of Ohio leaves me speechless. . .

For my Ohio Friends, The Wilds are worth the visit.

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Inside Out

Have you seen this movie yet?  Inside Out?  The girls and I went to see it this week and let me tell you, it is a must see.  Pixar has outdone itself with this one.  If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or if you are breathing. . . it is worth seeing.

Charlie hasn’t seen it yet, but he will.  (He was seeing Jurassic Park).  The theater was filled with people of all ages, with kids and without kids, because this movie is applicable to everyone.

End plug.

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Sisters

I wonder if it will always be this way. . .

. . . I hope so.

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Meadow

She’s beginning preschool this fall.  I almost can’t wrap my mind around this.  Two mornings each week she will be in another’s care.  It’s almost more than my heart can bear.  For her it’s a beginning and and ending. . .

For me it’s a beginning and an ending. . .

. . . . . I don’t have words right now. . .

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SummerK Photography

We are continuing our work at SummerK Photography.  My most awesome assistant (Chad) and I just finished up with this lovely wedding. . .

You can see the full blog here.

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In Laws

They don’t offer a typical good-bye.

(Sorry, Char, but  you know if I have my camera, there is a good chance you will end up on the blog.)

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Taza

We have determined that Taza was one of the best decisions we’ve made. . .

Our sweet golden-doodle is loyal, feisty, fun, energetic, patient, and fits our family like a glove.

We can’t imagine our world without her.

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And if our neighborhood would allow it. . . 

we’d get a goat.

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Summer

Summer is already moving more quickly than we’d like.  Between travels from here to there, camps, VBS, and playdates scheduled, I’m trying to hang on to the precious moments when it’s just us, together, being us. . .

I have so much gratitude for these days.

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Little bedheads are now rising pleading for breakfast which, of course, will be eggs Benedict and Belgium waffles.

Or Rice Crispies and Lucky Charms.

Who knows.

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Have a great weekend, Friends.

Chatter, Out. . .